The care of women in public maternity services “will never be the same” as that provided by private services, the heads of the four biggest maternity units informed Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. Their correspondence, dated September 2023, also stated there was “some evidence” that complications were less likely to occur among women managed privately. The current reality is that there is a difference between private and public care and there is some evidence that complications are less likely to occur among women managed within the private care system.”“In response to your question, what do we need to ensure the same care across public and private services for pregnant women and families, the reality is that they will never be the same,” they continued. “The fact that a woman can see the same experienced consultant for all her antenatal care, care during labour and delivery and postnatal is a system that cannot, and we believe should not, be replicated in public service provision. For example, the difference may be due to the overall health status of women who opted for private care, rather than to the private model of care itself.

Source: Irish Independent October 07, 2024 13:21 UTC